Atypical myopathy in 2 Bactrian camels

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Toxicology
• Equine Science

Background:

• Atypical myopathy (AM) is a serious condition in horses caused by ingesting sycamore maple seeds.
• The toxic compounds hypoglycin A (HGA) and methylenecyclopropyl-glycine (MCPG) are responsible for AM.
• AM leads to muscle fiber degeneration, particularly type I fibers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the occurrence and characteristics of atypical myopathy in Bactrian camels.
• To identify the causative agent and pathological findings of AM in camels.
• To assess the risk of sycamore maple ingestion in zoo-kept animals.

Main Methods:

• Clinical case observation of two Bactrian camels with suspected AM.
• Analysis of serum for toxic metabolites (HGA, MCPG) and creatine kinase activity.
• Postmortem examination and histological analysis of muscle tissues.

Main Results:

• Both camels exhibited acute signs of AM, including muscle pain, weakness, and dysphagia.
• Serum analysis confirmed the presence of HGA, MCPG, and elevated creatine kinase.
• Histopathology revealed type I muscle fiber hyaline degeneration in affected camels, consistent with AM.
• Sycamore maple tree material was found in the stomach of one camel.

Conclusions:

• Bactrian camels are susceptible to atypical myopathy following ingestion of sycamore maple material.
• Sapindaceae family trees, including sycamore maple, pose a significant risk to animals in enclosures.
• Preventive measures, such as removing toxic plants from animal habitats, are crucial.